Eviction Drive in Assam's Dhubri Faces Resistance; Over 1,000 Families Affected

Dhubri (Assam), Jul 8 (PTI): An eviction drive in Assam's Dhubri district faced resistance on Tuesday when alleged encroachers damaged excavators and attempted to attack police personnel. The security forces had to resort to baton charging to disperse the crowd, ensuring no injuries to police personnel, according to officials.

In this operation, which affected three revenue villages, 1,069 families were residing in areas targeted by the anti-encroachment initiative. A district official mentioned that approximately 95 percent of the families vacated the area following a visit by the Chief Minister a few days ago.

Compensation in the form of cheques is being disbursed according to norms. "However, a segment of the population is resisting and creating disruptions, but the situation is under control," stated the official.

Locals expressed that tension persists in some parts of the area where the drive commenced. Some of the affected people reportedly attacked two excavators using sticks and bricks, damaging the machinery.

The eviction is proceeding smoothly after the situation was stabilized, with Bengali-speaking Muslims predominantly impacted by the operation. Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, intending to visit the affected families, was halted by police.

He was subsequently escorted away, as reported by party sources. A senior official disclosed on Monday that plans were made to evict 1,200-1,400 families to reclaim 3,000 bighas of encroached land across three revenue villages.

The land is earmarked for a proposed thermal power project by the Adani Group in the Chapor revenue circle. "We have allocated 3,500 bighas to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to hand over to the Adani group. Out of this, around 3,000 bighas are encroached, and we are clearing the land," explained the official.

The eviction drive covers Charuwa Bakra, Chirakuta, and Santoshpur villages, with notices issued for the alleged encroachments. For temporary rehabilitation, 300 bighas in Baizar Alga, Athani circle, have been set aside.

Compensation of Rs 50,000 per family has been sanctioned, and many have received funds before vacating the land voluntarily. Families with permanent 'pattas' or land rights will undergo a formal land acquisition process, receiving compensation in line with established norms.

Last month, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the proposed power plant site, announcing a 3,400 MW thermal power facility, with tender proceedings underway. The Assam government is preparing to reclaim over 4,000 bighas (approximately 540 hectares) from alleged encroachers in the Dhubri and Goalpara districts, potentially displacing around 2,500 families.

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